Wrestling with the aftermath of Usman Hadi's death, Bangladesh once again finds itself in chaos as unidentified gunmen shot the leader of the newly-formed National Citizen Party, Muhammad Motaleb Sikder, in Khulna.
Sikder was shot during a crucial law and order meeting chaired by the Chief Administrator Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. Tensions escalated after Usman Hadi's demise, with rioters causing chaos and arson in multiple areas, driving the nation to the brink of turmoil.
Amidst the turmoil, a minority named Dipu Das was horrifically set ablaze by extremists. Unsettling reports of arson surfaced from various regions. Yunus was engaged in strategic discussions with top officials in Dhaka regarding these incidents.
Yunus Conducts Law and Order Meeting as Attack Unfolds
Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the necessity of safeguarding law and order ahead of the national elections at any cost, during a comprehensive state review held at the State Guest House Jamuna. This briefing was disclosed to the media the following day.
Unfortunately, amidst these efforts, unknown attackers in Khulna struck NCP leader Muhammad Motaleb Sikder with a bullet to the head.
Motaleb Sikder Admitted to KMCH
Locals rushed the grievously injured Sikder to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) for urgent treatment.
A pivotal figure in the NCP, Sikder served as the Khulna Divisional Chief and the Central Organizer for the labor wing, Shramik Shakti.
The shooting transpired around noon on Monday, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam from Sonadanga Police Station, adding that treatment continues for the bullet wounds.
Source: aajtak
Dr. Mahumuda Mitu, Joint Secretary of the party, shared a poignant image of the wounded Sikder on Facebook, writing, "NCP Khulna Divisional Chief and NCP labor wing Central Organizer Motaleb Sikder was shot a short while ago. He's in critical condition and has been transported to Khulna Medical."
Khulna police and local reports indicated a local initially rescued Sikder before escorting him to KMCH. Doctors conducted a CT scan of Sikder's skull. Sikder resides near a school by Sonadanga Police Station.
Foreign Liquor, Female Criminals, and Conspiracy
According to Bangladesh's news outlet jagonews24, Sikder often visited a rented house on Al-Aqsa Mosque Lane in Khulna's Gazi Medical Area. The property was leased by a couple, and it was here that the shooting occurred. Sikder had a connection with a woman residing there; however, her identity remains undisclosed. Following the incident, a police search uncovered drug paraphernalia and foreign liquor bottles. Authorities continue to untangle the woman's identity and the incident's underlying causes.
Shootout Possibly an Internal Conflict Outcome
Khulna Deputy Police Commissioner Mohamed Tajul Islam suggested this incident might stem from internal disputes.
He remarked on the history of criminal activities involving drugs and women in the vicinity of the crime scene.
Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party in Khulna, Mufti Faizullah, stated that he spoke with Sikder. Sikder revealed that around 10:30 AM, while sipping tea at a shop in the surgical area, individuals with helmets led him into an alley, assaulted, shot, and then fled.
Faizullah suspects the ruling Awami League might be implicated in this attack, and police are actively conducting raids to apprehend the culprits.
